EP2819753B1 - Airflow control valve - Google Patents
Airflow control valve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2819753B1 EP2819753B1 EP13704587.8A EP13704587A EP2819753B1 EP 2819753 B1 EP2819753 B1 EP 2819753B1 EP 13704587 A EP13704587 A EP 13704587A EP 2819753 B1 EP2819753 B1 EP 2819753B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- outlet
- inlet port
- piston
- control valve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 claims description 35
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 7
- 239000003638 chemical reducing agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 5
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 5
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 206010017472 Fumbling Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000002216 antistatic agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002341 toxic gas Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B7/00—Respiratory apparatus
- A62B7/02—Respiratory apparatus with compressed oxygen or air
- A62B7/04—Respiratory apparatus with compressed oxygen or air and lung-controlled oxygen or air valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/22—Valves or arrangement of valves
- A61M39/223—Multiway valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
- A62B18/02—Masks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
- A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
- A62B18/084—Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
- A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
- A62B18/10—Valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B9/00—Component parts for respiratory or breathing apparatus
- A62B9/02—Valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
- F16K11/02—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
- F16K11/06—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements
- F16K11/065—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members
- F16K11/07—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
- F16K11/0716—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides with fluid passages through the valve member
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K17/00—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves
- F16K17/02—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves opening on surplus pressure on one side; closing on insufficient pressure on one side
- F16K17/04—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves opening on surplus pressure on one side; closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
- F16K17/0473—Multiple-way safety valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/22—Valves or arrangement of valves
- A61M39/223—Multiway valves
- A61M2039/224—Multiway valves of the slide-valve type
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86485—Line condition change responsive release of valve
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86493—Multi-way valve unit
- Y10T137/86574—Supply and exhaust
- Y10T137/8667—Reciprocating valve
- Y10T137/86694—Piston valve
- Y10T137/86702—With internal flow passage
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a control valve for use with a breathing apparatus.
- breathing apparatuses are known in the art, including those for use in situations where there has been a sudden hazardous leak of gas or toxic airborne particles that would injure a person if inhaled.
- breathing apparatuses are known as 'escape sets', and generally comprise a bag or other container containing a mask and/or hood (generally called a 'respirator' hereafter) connected via a hose and a valve means to a source of breathable air in a high-pressure compressed air cylinder.
- a user dons the respirator, which, in the case of a mask, makes a seal with his face or, in the case of a hood, seals around his neck enclosing his head, and allows him to breathe from the air supply, isolated from the harmful atmosphere.
- the valve means is provided between the cylinder and the respirator to reduce the high pressure from the cylinder to a pressure suitable for the wearer to breathe.
- breathing apparatuses include those known as 'working sets' and 'self contained breathing apparatuses', which include respirator and compressed air supply generally as described above, which a user can don to enable him to safely breathe clean uncontaminated air from the compressed air supply in environments in which the ambient atmosphere is unsafe to breathe.
- the valve means provided in such breathing apparatuses generally comprises a 'reducer' which reduces the pressure in the hose from the high pressure in the cylinder (typically around 200 - 300 bar) to a much lower pressure, (around 8 bar), and a 'demand valve' which supplies air from the reducer and the hose, to the respirator at a pressure suitable to breathe.
- the breathing apparatuses When the breathing apparatuses are not in use, they may be stored in a container in a state of readiness.
- escape sets the situations in which they are required are often ones of extreme danger and the time it takes a user to don the respirator and activate the air-flow is critical. It is therefore imperative that the escape set is designed so that the respirator can be donned as quickly as possible.
- some escape sets have an automatic activation system in which, prior to use, the reducer is closed and seals the compressed air supply from the respirator, but when the respirator is removed from the container the reducer is opened and the supply of air to the respirator is activated.
- respirator can be donned and the air supply activated as quickly as possible for convenient and efficient use.
- Such an exemplary respirator is shown in GB 2 430 159 A .
- Conventional breathing apparatuses such as those described above, comprise an arrangement of harness straps and buckles which need to be loosened to allow the wearer to fit the respirator over his head, and then once in place, tightened to secure the respirator in place tight enough against the face, in the case of a respirator mask, and/or around the neck in the case of a respirator hood, to maintain a seal therewith.
- harness straps and buckles which need to be loosened to allow the wearer to fit the respirator over his head, and then once in place, tightened to secure the respirator in place tight enough against the face, in the case of a respirator mask, and/or around the neck in the case of a respirator hood, to maintain a seal therewith.
- escape sets these are intended for use in emergency situations which are hazardous and stressful. It is therefore important that the respirator is able to be donned and secured in place as quickly and easily as possible, and that the attachment arrangement is as simple as possible to operate in order to prevent panicked fumbling in trying to don the
- breathing apparatuses comprise a respirator, an inflatable harness for securing the respirator to a wearer's head and a method of controlling the flow of air from a supply to the respirator and to the inflatable harness, wherein the breathing apparatus is configured so that the head harness automatically inflates and expands prior to the respirator being secured to the wearer's head, and automatically deflates and contracts once the respirator is sealed on the wearer's head.
- a breathing apparatus is disclosed in UK patent application No. 0611646.1 which includes a control valve to control the flow of air from a supply to the respirator and to the inflatable harness
- the present invention seeks to provide an alternative and/or improved control valve for use in an emergency breathing apparatus and a breathing apparatus including such a control valve.
- an airflow control valve for use in a breathing apparatus to control a flow of air from a pressurised air supply to a respirator, wherein the valve comprises an inlet port for connection to a pressurised air supply, and first and second outlets, the valve being configurable between a first position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet to allow a restricted flow of air from the inlet port to the first outlet and in which the second outlet is sealed from the inlet port and, a second position in which the inlet port is in substantially unrestricted fluid communication with the second outlet to allow an unrestricted flow of air from the inlet port to the second outlet and wherein the first outlet is sealed from the inlet port when the valve is configured in the second position.
- the airflow control valve is configured to allow a flow of air from the inlet port to the first outlet at a first, reduced, flow rate, when the valve is in the first position, and allow a flow of air from the inlet port to the second outlet at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate, when the valve is in the second position.
- the airflow control valve may also include a third outlet and be configured such that, in the first position, the inlet port is in fluid communication with the third outlet.
- the airflow control valve may be configured such that, in the second position, the inlet port is sealed from the third outlet.
- the airflow control valve may be configurable to a third position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet and the inlet port is sealed from the second outlet and/or third outlet, and the third valve position may be intermediate the first and second valve positions.
- the airflow control valve may further comprise a fourth outlet which may be in fluid communication with the third outlet when the valve is configured in the second position, and is sealed from the third outlet when the valve is configured in the first and third positions.
- the airflow control valve may be movable between the first, second and/or third positions in dependence of the air pressure within the valve.
- the airflow control valve may comprise a valve housing defining a piston chamber and, a piston received within the piston chamber, wherein the piston is slidable within the piston chamber between the respective valve positions.
- the inlet port and respective outlets may be formed in the valve housing in fluid communication with the piston chamber.
- the piston may include a hollow bore in fluid communication with the inlet port.
- the piston may comprise a piston shaft and a piston head, wherein the hollow bore extends along the longitudinal axis of the piston shaft and a portion of the piston head.
- the piston may include a plurality of channels formed therein in fluid communication with the hollow bore and extending to an outer surface of the piston, and which are configured to selectively fluidly communicate the inlet port and the hollow bore with the outlets in the valve housing.
- the piston may comprise a first channel configured to fluidly communicate the inlet port with the third outlet via the hollow bore when the piston is in the first position.
- the piston may also comprise a second channel configured to fluidly communicate the inlet port with the first outlet via the hollow bore when the valve is in the first position, and to fluidly communicate the inlet port with the second outlet via the hollow bore when the piston is in the second position.
- the second channel may be in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet via the hollow bore when the piston is in the intermediate position.
- the piston may comprise a plug member configured to block the fourth outlet when the piston is in the first and third positions and to open the fourth outlet to allow flow of air therethrough when the piston is in the second position.
- the valve housing may comprise a passage of restricted cross-sectional area which is in fluid communication with the first outlet and the piston chamber, and which is configured to allow a restricted flow of compressed air from die inlet port to the first outlet when the valve is in the first position.
- Said passage may comprise a second passage and the valve housing may further comprise first and third passages configured to fluidly communicate the inlet port with the third and second outlets respectively when die piston is in the first and second positions respectively.
- the airflow control valve may further comprise a biasing means configured to bias the piston towards the first position.
- the piston may comprise a plurality of piston surfaces configured such that pressurised air supplied to the inlet port can act upon one or more of the piston surfaces to exert a force against the force of the biasing means.
- the valve may be configured so that the piston slides from the first position to the third position when the air pressure acting on a first piston surface reaches a first pre-determined value.
- the airflow control valve may be configured so that the piston slides, from the third position, into the second position when the air pressure acting on the second piston surface reaches a second pre-determined value.
- the airflow control valve may further comprise a sensing valve fluidly connected to the first outlet and configured to close when an air pressure at the first outlet reaches a pre-determined threshold pressure.
- the present invention also provides a breathing apparatus comprising a respirator and a control valve to control the flow of air from a supply to the respirator, wherein the control valve comprises an inlet port for connection to a pressurised air supply, and first and second outlets connected to the respirator, the valve being configurable between a first position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet to allow a restricted flow of air from the inlet port to the respirator via the first outlet and in which the second outlet is sealed from the inlet port and, a second position in which the inlet port is in substantially unrestricted fluid communication with the second outlet to allow an unrestricted flow of air from the inlet port to the respirator via the second outlet.
- the control valve may be configured such that when in the second position, the first outlet is sealed from the inlet port.
- the breathing apparatus may further comprise an inflatable harness for securing the respirator to a wearer's head, the control valve further being configured to control the flow of air from a supply to the inflatable harness.
- the airflow control valve may further comprise a third outlet connected to the inflatable harness, wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the harness when the control valve is in the first position and wherein the inlet port is sealed from the inflatable harness when the control valve is in the second position.
- the airflow control valve may be configurable to a third position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the respirator via the first outlet and the inlet port is sealed from the second outlet and/or third outlet.
- the airflow control valve may comprise any of the features described above.
- the fourth outlet may be open to the atmosphere.
- the first pre-determined pressure may be reached when the inflatable harness is fully inflated.
- the piston head may comprise a first, second and third portions integrally formed and sequentially radially enlarged around the axis of the piston head, and the piston shaft extends from the third portion.
- the first, second and third portions may comprise first, second, and third surfaces disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow bore, wherein the volumes of space enclosed between the valve housing and the first, second and third surfaces comprise first, second and third chambers respectively.
- an emergency breathing apparatus 10 including an air control valve 20 of the present invention is shown.
- the breathing apparatus 10 comprises a respirator mask 12 and an inflatable harness 14 to secure the respirator 12 to a wearer's head.
- the respirator 12 has a seal 13 around its peripheral edge that, in use, makes a substantially air-tight seal around the wearer's face.
- the respirator 12 and harness 14 are fluidly connected to a source of compressed air (not shown) by a supply hose 19 via the control valve 20 on die front of the respirator 12.
- the respirator 12 also includes a positive pressure exhalation valve (not shown) to allow air exhaled by a wearer to be expelled from the respirator 12, a sensing valve 80 to detect when the respirator is substantially sealed to the wearer's face and a demand valve 50 to allow air into the respirator 12.
- the whole breathing apparatus 10, including the compressed air supply, is contained within a bag 17 made of suitably tough material, such as PVC coated weatherproof material, or possibly an anti-static material if the apparatus is to be used in potentially explosive environments.
- the control valve 20 is shown in detail in Figures 2 - 4 , and comprises a piston 22, located inside a valve housing 21 winch is contained within a valve outer casing 30.
- the control valve 20 has an inlet port 31 that is fluidly coupled to compressed air supply (not shown).
- the control valve has a first outlet 32 fluidly coupled to the respirator 12 via a sensing valve 80 for the supply of compressed air via the sensing valve 80 to the inside of the respirator 12.
- the control valve 20 also has a second outlet 33 fluidly coupled to the demand valve 50 of the respirator.
- the control valve 20 further comprises a third outlet 34 fluidly coupled to the inflatable harness 14, and a fourth outlet 35, that is open to atmosphere.
- the piston comprises a cylindrical piston head 24, comprising a first, second and third piston sections 25, 26, 27, of sequentially increasing diameter, and a piston shaft 23 that is integrally formed with the piston head 24 and extends axially from the third piston section 27 into a correspondingly shaped recess 78 formed in the inlet port 31.
- the piston also includes a plug shaft 75 which extends axially from the first piston section 25 and which is received in the fourth outlet 35.
- the valve housing 21 encloses a central piston chamber 28, wherein the portion of the piston chamber 28 distal to the inlet port 31 is the same shape as the piston head 24, but with slightly larger dimensions so that the piston head 24 fits snugly into the piston chamber 28 and is encompassed by the valve housing 21.
- the end surfaces of the first, second and third piston sections 25, 26, 27, that are each distal to the piston shaft 23, comprise a first, second and third piston surfaces 43, 44, 45 respectively.
- the volumes of space encompassed by the valve housing 21 and the first, second and third piston surfaces 43, 44, 45 comprise first, second and third chambers 46, 47, 48 respectively.
- the piston 22 is shdable within the valve housing 21 between a first and a second position (shown in Figures 2 and 4 respectively), and a third position intermediate the first and second positions (shown in Figure 3 and hereinafter referred to as the 'intermediate position'), to selectively allow compressed air to flow from the inlet port 31 to the first, second and third chambers 46, 47, 48, and thereby to the third, first and second outlet ports 34, 32, 33, respectively.
- the piston 22 includes a hollow bore 37 that runs through the centre of the piston 22.
- a first channel 38 extends radially from the hollow bore 37 through the piston head 24.
- the valve housing 21 includes a first passage 40 extending circumferentially around the inside wall of the valve housing 21.
- the piston 22, valve housing 21 and first passage 40 are configured such that when the piston 22 is in the first position (see Figure 2 ), the inlet port 31 is fluidly communicated, via the hollow bore 37, the first channel 38 and the first passage 40, with the first chamber 46 and thereby the third outlet 34.
- the piston 22, valve housing 21 and first passage 40 are also configured such that when the piston 22 is in the second or intermediate positions (see Figures 4 and 3 ), the inlet port 31, hollow bore 37, and the first channel 38 are blocked from the first passage 40 and thereby from the first chamber 46 and the third outlet 34.
- a second channel 39 extends radially from the hollow bore 37 through the piston head 24.
- the valve housing 21 includes a second passage 41 which extends between the valve chamber 28 and the first outlet 32 and second chamber 47.
- the piston 22, valve housing 21 and second passage 41 aie configured such that when the piston 22 is in the first of intermediate positions (see Figures 2 and 3 respectively), the inlet port 31 is fluidly communicated, via the hollow bore 37, the second channel 39 and the second passage 41, with the second chamber 47 and thereby the first outlet 32.
- the second passage 41 is of a sufficiently small cross-sectional area that it only allows a restricted flow of air therethrough when a supply of pressurised air is connected to the inlet port 31 and the valve 20 is in the first or intermediate positions.
- the piston 22, valve housing 21 and second passage 41 are also configured such that when the piston 22 is in the second position (see Figure 4 ), the inlet port 31, hollow bore 37, and the second channel 39 are blocked from the second passage 41 and thereby from the second chamber 47 and the first outlet 32.
- the valve housing includes a third passage 42 which extends between the valve chamber 28 and the second outlet 33 and third chamber 48.
- the piston 22, the valve housing 21 and the third passage 42 are configured such that when the piston 22 is in the second position (see Figure 4 ), the inlet port 31 is fluidly communicated, via the hollow bore 37, the second channel 39 and the third passage 42, with the third chamber 48 and thereby the second outlet 33.
- the third passage 41 is sufficiently dimensioned that it allows a substantially unrestricted flow of air therethrough when a supply of pressurised air is connected to die inlet port 31 and the valve 20 is in the second position, or at least, a greater flow rate of air therethrough relative to the flow rate of air allowed through the second passage 41.
- the piston 22, valve housing 21 and third passage 42 are also configured such that when die piston 22 is in the first or intermediate positions (see Figures 2 and 3 ), the inlet port 31, hollow bore 37, and the second channel 39 are blocked from the third passage 42 and thereby from the third chamber 48 and the second outlet 33.
- valve housing 21 and piston 22 are manufactured so that they fit very closely together, there may still be small gaps between the piston 22 and valve housing 21, and between the valve housing 21 and the valve outer casing 30, through which air may leak.
- rubber seals 60 - 70 are provided.
- a first seal 60 is positioned, at the interface between the fourth outlet 35 and the first chamber 46, around the circumference of the fourth outlet 35 and in contact with the plug shaft 75 to prevent the unwanted escape of air from the first chamber 46 to atmosphere.
- Second and third seals 61, 62 are positioned around the outer perimeter of the valve housing 21 in contact with the valve outer casing 30, to prevent the flow of air between the atmosphere and the first and third chambers 46, 48 respectively.
- a fourth seal 63 positioned around the outer circumfeience of the first piston section 25, seals against the inside wall of the piston chamber 28 to prevent air from leaking between the first channel 38 and the second chambers 47.
- a fifth seal 64 is positioned around the outer perimeter of the valve housing 21 in contact with the valve outer casing 30 and between the first and second chambers 46, 47, to prevent the flow of air therebetween.
- a sixth seal 65 is positioned, around the outer perimeter of the valve housing 21 in contact with the inner surface of the valve outer casing 30 and between the second and third chambers 47, 48, to prevent the flow of air therebetween.
- a seventh seal 66 is positioned on the inside of the valve housing 21 around the inner perimeter of the recess 78 of the inlet port 31 and in contact with the piston shaft 23, to prevent the flow of air between the inlet port 31 and the section of the piston chamber 28 that surrounds the piston shaft 23.
- An eighth seal 67 positioned around the outer circumference of the third piston section 27 in contact with the inner wall of the valve housing 21, prevents the flow of air between the second outlet 33 and the section of the piston chamber 28 that surrounds the piston shaft 23.
- the air control valve 20 includes a biasing means 76 comprising a coil spring positioned around the piston shaft 23 and which is configured to bias the piston 23 towards the first position.
- the air control valve 20 includes a ninth seal 68 positioned around the outer circumference of the second piston section 26 and to the side of the second channel 39 closest to the inlet port 31.
- the ninth seal 68 is in contact with the inner wall of the valve housing 21 and seals the third passage 42 and the third chamber 48, and hence the second outlet 33, from the second channel 39.
- the ninth seal 68 is disposed beyond the third passage 42 from the second channel 39 and so air can flow from the inlet port, via the hollow bore 37 and the second channel 39, through die third passage 42 to the third chamber 48 and hence to the second outlet 33.
- the air control valve 20 includes a tenth seal 69 positioned around the outer circumference of the first piston section 25 to the side of the first channel 38 that is distal to the inlet port 31.
- die tenth seal is in contact with the inner wall of the valve chamber 28 and blocks the first channel 38 from the first passage 40 and hence prevents the flow of compressed air from the inlet port 31 to the first chamber 46.
- the tenth seal is aligned within the first passage 40 and so air can bypass the tenth seal, to allow the flow of air from the inlet port 31 to the first chamber 46.
- the air control valve 20 includes an eleventh seal 70 disposed around the outer circumference of the second piston section 26 and to the side of the second channel 39 distal to the inlet port 31. Whilst the piston 22 is in the second position, the eleventh seal is in contact with the inner wall of the valve chamber 28 and blocks the second channel 39 from the second passage 41 and hence prevents die flow of air from the inlet port 31 to the second chamber 47 and to the first outlet 32. In the first and intermediate positions, the eleventh seal 70 is disposed beyond the second passage 41 from the second channel 39 and so air can flow from the inlet port 31, via the hollow bore 37 and second channel 39, to the second passage 41, to the second chamber 47 and hence to the first outlet 33.
- control valve 20 When a user wishes to use the breathing apparatus 10 of the invention, he opens the bag 17 and pulls out the respirator 12 and compressed air supply (not shown), and the automatic activation system opens the reducer valve (not shown) to allow compressed air to flow into the control valve 20.
- the piston 22 of the control valve 20 is held in the first position under die biasing force of the coil spring 76.
- the air enters the inlet port 31 via the supply hose 19 and flows through the hollow bore 37 of the piston 22 and into the first chamber 46, via the first channel 38 and the first passage 40.
- the compressed air in the first chamber 46 flows through the third outlet 34 and inflates the inflatable harness 14.
- the plug 75 blocks the fourth outlet 35, preventing compressed air in die inflatable harness 14 from escaping to atmosphere.
- the compressed air in the first and second chambers 46, 47 acts on the first and second surfaces 43, 44 respectively, exerting a force on the piston 22 that opposes the force exerted by biasing means 76. Whilst the inflatable harness 14 is in the process of inflating, the force exerted on the piston 22 by the compressed air is weaker than the force exerted by die biasing means 76 on the piston head 24, and hence die piston 22 remains in the first position.
- the pressure in the first chamber 46 increases, as no further air can flow out of the third outlet 34, causing the force exerted on the first surface 43 to increase.
- the increased force exerted on the first surface 43 is sufficient to overcome the force of die biasing means 76, causing the piston 22 to shift towards the inlet port 31 (to the right hand side in Figures 2 - 4 ) and into the intermediate position wherein the flow of air to the head harness 14 is prevented, whilst a restricted flushing flow of compressed air continues to be supplied to the respirator mask 12 via the first outlet 32.
- the head harness 14 is sealed from the inlet port 31 and remains in a fully inflated state as the plug 75 remains sealing the fourth outlet 35.
- the seal 13 forms an airtight seal around the wearer's face and the flow of compressed air into the, now closed, volume of die respirator mask 12 causes the pressure within the respirator mask 12 to increase above atmospheric.
- the sensing valve 80 detects when the subsequent increased pressure within the mask 12 reaches the predetermined threshold pressure and then automatically closes, causing the pressure in the second chamber 47 to increase as the compressed air can no longer flow out of the first outlet 32. This causes the force exerted on the second surface 44 to increase.
- the increased force exerted on the second surface 44 causes the piston 22 to shift further towards the inlet port (to the right hand side in Figures 2-4 ) until it is in the second position.
- the demand valve 50 supplies air to the respirator mask 12 whenever the user takes a breath.
- the flow of air from the inlet port 31 to the first and third outlets 32, 34 is prevented.
- the compressed air acts over the third piston surface 45 resulting in a pressure force on the piston 22 sufficient to overcome die biasing force of die coil spring 76 and thereby maintain the piston 22 in the second position
- the plug 75 includes a vent passage 77 formed as a recessed channel in an outer surface of a distal portion thereof.
- the vent passage 77 is configured so that when the valve moves into the second position, die vent passage 77 moves past die first seal 60 to fluidly communicate the fourth outlet 35 with the first chamber 46 and the third outlet 34, allowing the air in the head harness 14 to vent to atmosphere. This causing the head harness 14 to deflate and contract around the wearer's head, firmly securing the respirator 12 in place.
- the respirator mask 12 remains in this operative position secured to a wearer's head allowing the wearer to safely breathe air from the supply via the control valve 20 and demand valve 50 and to evacuate the hazardous environment.
- control valve 20 comprises first, second and third outlets 32, 33, 34 such that the control valve may be used with a breathing apparatus comprising an inflatable head harness
- control valve may be used with a breathing apparatus comprising an inflatable head harness
- an alternative embodiment of control valve (not shown) is to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.
- Such an alternative embodiment of control valve may omit the third outlet 34 described above.
- the control valve 20 may then be used, for example, with a breathing apparatus 10 that comprises a conventional head-strap harness as opposed to the inflatable harness 14 described above.
- control valve would still comprise a first outlet fluidly communicated with the respirator 12, to provide a flushing flow of air thereto at a reduced flow rate, and a second outlet in fluid communication with a demand valve of the respirator to provide an unrestricted supply of compressed air at a relatively increased flow rate once the wearer has donned the respirator 12.
- a demand valve of the respirator to provide an unrestricted supply of compressed air at a relatively increased flow rate once the wearer has donned the respirator 12.
- the piston upon initial supply of compressed air to the inlet port 31, since there would be no third outlet and no inflatable head harness to inflate, the piston would immediately move to the intermediate position until the respirator mask is donned. All other features of such an alternative embodiment of control valve, and breathing apparatus including such a control valve, would be as described previously, and would function correspondingly.
Description
- The present invention relates to a control valve for use with a breathing apparatus.
- Various types of breathing apparatuses are known in the art, including those for use in situations where there has been a sudden hazardous leak of gas or toxic airborne particles that would injure a person if inhaled. Such breathing apparatuses are known as 'escape sets', and generally comprise a bag or other container containing a mask and/or hood (generally called a 'respirator' hereafter) connected via a hose and a valve means to a source of breathable air in a high-pressure compressed air cylinder. In an emergency situation, a user dons the respirator, which, in the case of a mask, makes a seal with his face or, in the case of a hood, seals around his neck enclosing his head, and allows him to breathe from the air supply, isolated from the harmful atmosphere. The valve means is provided between the cylinder and the respirator to reduce the high pressure from the cylinder to a pressure suitable for the wearer to breathe. These escape sets are provided in environments where there is a possibility of such a hazardous leak occurring, such as chemical plants or oil platforms, in convenient locations so that if a hazardous leak occurs, the people in the vicinity of the leak can quickly get to an escape set and don the respirator to allow them to leave the hazardous area and get to safety. Other types of known breathing apparatuses include those known as 'working sets' and 'self contained breathing apparatuses', which include respirator and compressed air supply generally as described above, which a user can don to enable him to safely breathe clean uncontaminated air from the compressed air supply in environments in which the ambient atmosphere is unsafe to breathe.
- The valve means provided in such breathing apparatuses generally comprises a 'reducer' which reduces the pressure in the hose from the high pressure in the cylinder (typically around 200 - 300 bar) to a much lower pressure, (around 8 bar), and a 'demand valve' which supplies air from the reducer and the hose, to the respirator at a pressure suitable to breathe.
- When the breathing apparatuses are not in use, they may be stored in a container in a state of readiness. In the case of escape sets, the situations in which they are required are often ones of extreme danger and the time it takes a user to don the respirator and activate the air-flow is critical. It is therefore imperative that the escape set is designed so that the respirator can be donned as quickly as possible. To help initiate the air supply quickly, some escape sets have an automatic activation system in which, prior to use, the reducer is closed and seals the compressed air supply from the respirator, but when the respirator is removed from the container the reducer is opened and the supply of air to the respirator is activated. This can be effected by, for example, a cord secured at one end to the container and at the other end to an activation switch on the respirator. In the case of other types of breathing apparatuses, it is also generally desirable that the respirator can be donned and the air supply activated as quickly as possible for convenient and efficient use.
- When a wearer first dons a respirator in a toxic atmosphere, some of the toxic atmosphere will be trapped inside the respirator cavity, meaning that his first breath will involve inhaling some of the toxic gas. It is therefore desirable to have a constant but steady and controlled flushing flow of air out of the respirator prior to a user taking his first breath therefrom, so when the respirator is first donned, the flushing flow purges the respirator cavity of any toxic atmosphere that may have been trapped therein but does not waste the supply of air.
- Such an exemplary respirator is shown in
GB 2 430 159 A - Conventional breathing apparatuses, such as those described above, comprise an arrangement of harness straps and buckles which need to be loosened to allow the wearer to fit the respirator over his head, and then once in place, tightened to secure the respirator in place tight enough against the face, in the case of a respirator mask, and/or around the neck in the case of a respirator hood, to maintain a seal therewith. As mentioned above, in the case of escape sets, these are intended for use in emergency situations which are hazardous and stressful. It is therefore important that the respirator is able to be donned and secured in place as quickly and easily as possible, and that the attachment arrangement is as simple as possible to operate in order to prevent panicked fumbling in trying to don the respirator. Conventional strap and buckle harnesses are problematic in that their fitment is relatively slow and complicated, and so increases the time during which the wearer is at risk from the harmful atmosphere. In the case of all such breathing apparatuses, it may be difficult to tell whether the respirator has been correctly fitted, and so it may leak and waste valuable air from the cylinder, reducing the available breathing time from a given compressed air supply volume, which in the case of use in emergency or hazardous environments, limits the escape time or the time the wearer can remain in that environment before having to get to safety.
- In an attempt to solve the problems mentioned above, breathing apparatuses have been proposed that comprise a respirator, an inflatable harness for securing the respirator to a wearer's head and a method of controlling the flow of air from a supply to the respirator and to the inflatable harness, wherein the breathing apparatus is configured so that the head harness automatically inflates and expands prior to the respirator being secured to the wearer's head, and automatically deflates and contracts once the respirator is sealed on the wearer's head. Such a breathing apparatus is disclosed in
UK patent application No. 0611646.1 - The present invention seeks to provide an alternative and/or improved control valve for use in an emergency breathing apparatus and a breathing apparatus including such a control valve.
- According to the invention, there is provided an airflow control valve for use in a breathing apparatus to control a flow of air from a pressurised air supply to a respirator, wherein the valve comprises an inlet port for connection to a pressurised air supply, and first and second outlets, the valve being configurable between a first position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet to allow a restricted flow of air from the inlet port to the first outlet and in which the second outlet is sealed from the inlet port and, a second position in which the inlet port is in substantially unrestricted fluid communication with the second outlet to allow an unrestricted flow of air from the inlet port to the second outlet and wherein the first outlet is sealed from the inlet port when the valve is configured in the second position.. That is, the airflow control valve is configured to allow a flow of air from the inlet port to the first outlet at a first, reduced, flow rate, when the valve is in the first position, and allow a flow of air from the inlet port to the second outlet at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate, when the valve is in the second position.
- The airflow control valve may also include a third outlet and be configured such that, in the first position, the inlet port is in fluid communication with the third outlet.
- The airflow control valve may be configured such that, in the second position, the inlet port is sealed from the third outlet.
- The airflow control valve may be configurable to a third position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet and the inlet port is sealed from the second outlet and/or third outlet, and the third valve position may be intermediate the first and second valve positions.
- The airflow control valve may further comprise a fourth outlet which may be in fluid communication with the third outlet when the valve is configured in the second position, and is sealed from the third outlet when the valve is configured in the first and third positions.
- The airflow control valve may be movable between the first, second and/or third positions in dependence of the air pressure within the valve.
- The airflow control valve may comprise a valve housing defining a piston chamber and, a piston received within the piston chamber, wherein the piston is slidable within the piston chamber between the respective valve positions.
- The inlet port and respective outlets may be formed in the valve housing in fluid communication with the piston chamber. The piston may include a hollow bore in fluid communication with the inlet port.
- The piston may comprise a piston shaft and a piston head, wherein the hollow bore extends along the longitudinal axis of the piston shaft and a portion of the piston head.
- The piston may include a plurality of channels formed therein in fluid communication with the hollow bore and extending to an outer surface of the piston, and which are configured to selectively fluidly communicate the inlet port and the hollow bore with the outlets in the valve housing.
- The piston may comprise a first channel configured to fluidly communicate the inlet port with the third outlet via the hollow bore when the piston is in the first position. The piston may also comprise a second channel configured to fluidly communicate the inlet port with the first outlet via the hollow bore when the valve is in the first position, and to fluidly communicate the inlet port with the second outlet via the hollow bore when the piston is in the second position.
- The second channel may be in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet via the hollow bore when the piston is in the intermediate position.
- The piston may comprise a plug member configured to block the fourth outlet when the piston is in the first and third positions and to open the fourth outlet to allow flow of air therethrough when the piston is in the second position.
- The valve housing may comprise a passage of restricted cross-sectional area which is in fluid communication with the first outlet and the piston chamber, and which is configured to allow a restricted flow of compressed air from die inlet port to the first outlet when the valve is in the first position.
- Said passage may comprise a second passage and the valve housing may further comprise first and third passages configured to fluidly communicate the inlet port with the third and second outlets respectively when die piston is in the first and second positions respectively.
- The airflow control valve may further comprise a biasing means configured to bias the piston towards the first position.
- The piston may comprise a plurality of piston surfaces configured such that pressurised air supplied to the inlet port can act upon one or more of the piston surfaces to exert a force against the force of the biasing means. The valve may be configured so that the piston slides from the first position to the third position when the air pressure acting on a first piston surface reaches a first pre-determined value.
- The airflow control valve may be configured so that the piston slides, from the third position, into the second position when the air pressure acting on the second piston surface reaches a second pre-determined value.
- The airflow control valve may further comprise a sensing valve fluidly connected to the first outlet and configured to close when an air pressure at the first outlet reaches a pre-determined threshold pressure.
- The present invention also provides a breathing apparatus comprising a respirator and a control valve to control the flow of air from a supply to the respirator, wherein the control valve comprises an inlet port for connection to a pressurised air supply, and first and second outlets connected to the respirator, the valve being configurable between a first position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet to allow a restricted flow of air from the inlet port to the respirator via the first outlet and in which the second outlet is sealed from the inlet port and, a second position in which the inlet port is in substantially unrestricted fluid communication with the second outlet to allow an unrestricted flow of air from the inlet port to the respirator via the second outlet.
- The control valve may be configured such that when in the second position, the first outlet is sealed from the inlet port.
- The breathing apparatus may further comprise an inflatable harness for securing the respirator to a wearer's head, the control valve further being configured to control the flow of air from a supply to the inflatable harness.
- The airflow control valve may further comprise a third outlet connected to the inflatable harness, wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the harness when the control valve is in the first position and wherein the inlet port is sealed from the inflatable harness when the control valve is in the second position.
- The airflow control valve may be configurable to a third position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the respirator via the first outlet and the inlet port is sealed from the second outlet and/or third outlet.
- The airflow control valve may comprise any of the features described above.
- The fourth outlet may be open to the atmosphere.
- The first pre-determined pressure may be reached when the inflatable harness is fully inflated.
- The piston head may comprise a first, second and third portions integrally formed and sequentially radially enlarged around the axis of the piston head, and the piston shaft extends from the third portion.
- The first, second and third portions may comprise first, second, and third surfaces disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow bore, wherein the volumes of space enclosed between the valve housing and the first, second and third surfaces comprise first, second and third chambers respectively.
- Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a breathing apparatus of relevant to the present invention; -
Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a control valve of the present invention of the breathing apparatus ofFigure 1 , in a first position; -
Figure 3 is a view of the control valve ofFigure 2 , in a third or intermediate position; -
Figure 4 is a view of the control valve ofFigure 2 , in a second position; - Referring now to
Figure 1 , anemergency breathing apparatus 10 including anair control valve 20 of the present invention is shown. Thebreathing apparatus 10 comprises a respirator mask 12 and aninflatable harness 14 to secure the respirator 12 to a wearer's head. The respirator 12 has aseal 13 around its peripheral edge that, in use, makes a substantially air-tight seal around the wearer's face. The respirator 12 andharness 14 are fluidly connected to a source of compressed air (not shown) by asupply hose 19 via thecontrol valve 20 on die front of the respirator 12. The respirator 12 also includes a positive pressure exhalation valve (not shown) to allow air exhaled by a wearer to be expelled from the respirator 12, asensing valve 80 to detect when the respirator is substantially sealed to the wearer's face and ademand valve 50 to allow air into the respirator 12. Thewhole breathing apparatus 10, including the compressed air supply, is contained within abag 17 made of suitably tough material, such as PVC coated weatherproof material, or possibly an anti-static material if the apparatus is to be used in potentially explosive environments. - The
control valve 20 is shown in detail inFigures 2 - 4 , and comprises apiston 22, located inside avalve housing 21 winch is contained within a valveouter casing 30. Thecontrol valve 20 has aninlet port 31 that is fluidly coupled to compressed air supply (not shown). The control valve has afirst outlet 32 fluidly coupled to the respirator 12 via asensing valve 80 for the supply of compressed air via thesensing valve 80 to the inside of the respirator 12. Thecontrol valve 20 also has asecond outlet 33 fluidly coupled to thedemand valve 50 of the respirator. Thecontrol valve 20 further comprises athird outlet 34 fluidly coupled to theinflatable harness 14, and afourth outlet 35, that is open to atmosphere. - The piston comprises a
cylindrical piston head 24, comprising a first, second andthird piston sections piston shaft 23 that is integrally formed with thepiston head 24 and extends axially from thethird piston section 27 into a correspondingly shapedrecess 78 formed in theinlet port 31. The piston also includes aplug shaft 75 which extends axially from thefirst piston section 25 and which is received in thefourth outlet 35. Thevalve housing 21 encloses acentral piston chamber 28, wherein the portion of thepiston chamber 28 distal to theinlet port 31 is the same shape as thepiston head 24, but with slightly larger dimensions so that thepiston head 24 fits snugly into thepiston chamber 28 and is encompassed by thevalve housing 21. - The end surfaces of the first, second and
third piston sections piston shaft 23, comprise a first, second and third piston surfaces 43, 44, 45 respectively. The volumes of space encompassed by thevalve housing 21 and the first, second and third piston surfaces 43, 44, 45 comprise first, second andthird chambers - The
piston 22 is shdable within thevalve housing 21 between a first and a second position (shown inFigures 2 and4 respectively), and a third position intermediate the first and second positions (shown inFigure 3 and hereinafter referred to as the 'intermediate position'), to selectively allow compressed air to flow from theinlet port 31 to the first, second andthird chambers second outlet ports - The
piston 22 includes ahollow bore 37 that runs through the centre of thepiston 22. Afirst channel 38 extends radially from thehollow bore 37 through thepiston head 24. Thevalve housing 21 includes afirst passage 40 extending circumferentially around the inside wall of thevalve housing 21. Thepiston 22,valve housing 21 andfirst passage 40 are configured such that when thepiston 22 is in the first position (seeFigure 2 ), theinlet port 31 is fluidly communicated, via thehollow bore 37, thefirst channel 38 and thefirst passage 40, with thefirst chamber 46 and thereby thethird outlet 34. Thepiston 22,valve housing 21 andfirst passage 40 are also configured such that when thepiston 22 is in the second or intermediate positions (seeFigures 4 and3 ), theinlet port 31,hollow bore 37, and thefirst channel 38 are blocked from thefirst passage 40 and thereby from thefirst chamber 46 and thethird outlet 34. - A
second channel 39 extends radially from thehollow bore 37 through thepiston head 24. Thevalve housing 21 includes asecond passage 41 which extends between thevalve chamber 28 and thefirst outlet 32 andsecond chamber 47. Thepiston 22,valve housing 21 andsecond passage 41 aie configured such that when thepiston 22 is in the first of intermediate positions (seeFigures 2 and3 respectively), theinlet port 31 is fluidly communicated, via thehollow bore 37, thesecond channel 39 and thesecond passage 41, with thesecond chamber 47 and thereby thefirst outlet 32. Thesecond passage 41 is of a sufficiently small cross-sectional area that it only allows a restricted flow of air therethrough when a supply of pressurised air is connected to theinlet port 31 and thevalve 20 is in the first or intermediate positions. Thepiston 22,valve housing 21 andsecond passage 41 are also configured such that when thepiston 22 is in the second position (seeFigure 4 ), theinlet port 31,hollow bore 37, and thesecond channel 39 are blocked from thesecond passage 41 and thereby from thesecond chamber 47 and thefirst outlet 32. - The valve housing includes a
third passage 42 which extends between thevalve chamber 28 and thesecond outlet 33 andthird chamber 48. Thepiston 22, thevalve housing 21 and thethird passage 42 are configured such that when thepiston 22 is in the second position (seeFigure 4 ), theinlet port 31 is fluidly communicated, via thehollow bore 37, thesecond channel 39 and thethird passage 42, with thethird chamber 48 and thereby thesecond outlet 33. Thethird passage 41 is sufficiently dimensioned that it allows a substantially unrestricted flow of air therethrough when a supply of pressurised air is connected to dieinlet port 31 and thevalve 20 is in the second position, or at least, a greater flow rate of air therethrough relative to the flow rate of air allowed through thesecond passage 41. Thepiston 22,valve housing 21 andthird passage 42 are also configured such that when diepiston 22 is in the first or intermediate positions (seeFigures 2 and3 ), theinlet port 31,hollow bore 37, and thesecond channel 39 are blocked from thethird passage 42 and thereby from thethird chamber 48 and thesecond outlet 33. - Although the
valve housing 21 andpiston 22 are manufactured so that they fit very closely together, there may still be small gaps between thepiston 22 andvalve housing 21, and between thevalve housing 21 and the valveouter casing 30, through which air may leak. To prevent this leakage, rubber seals 60 - 70 are provided. - A
first seal 60 is positioned, at the interface between thefourth outlet 35 and thefirst chamber 46, around the circumference of thefourth outlet 35 and in contact with theplug shaft 75 to prevent the unwanted escape of air from thefirst chamber 46 to atmosphere. Second andthird seals valve housing 21 in contact with the valveouter casing 30, to prevent the flow of air between the atmosphere and the first andthird chambers fourth seal 63, positioned around the outer circumfeience of thefirst piston section 25, seals against the inside wall of thepiston chamber 28 to prevent air from leaking between thefirst channel 38 and thesecond chambers 47. Afifth seal 64 is positioned around the outer perimeter of thevalve housing 21 in contact with the valveouter casing 30 and between the first andsecond chambers sixth seal 65 is positioned, around the outer perimeter of thevalve housing 21 in contact with the inner surface of the valveouter casing 30 and between the second andthird chambers seventh seal 66 is positioned on the inside of thevalve housing 21 around the inner perimeter of therecess 78 of theinlet port 31 and in contact with thepiston shaft 23, to prevent the flow of air between theinlet port 31 and the section of thepiston chamber 28 that surrounds thepiston shaft 23. Aneighth seal 67, positioned around the outer circumference of thethird piston section 27 in contact with the inner wall of thevalve housing 21, prevents the flow of air between thesecond outlet 33 and the section of thepiston chamber 28 that surrounds thepiston shaft 23. - The
air control valve 20 includes a biasing means 76 comprising a coil spring positioned around thepiston shaft 23 and which is configured to bias thepiston 23 towards the first position. - The
air control valve 20 includes aninth seal 68 positioned around the outer circumference of thesecond piston section 26 and to the side of thesecond channel 39 closest to theinlet port 31. When thepiston 22 is in the first and intermediate positions, theninth seal 68 is in contact with the inner wall of thevalve housing 21 and seals thethird passage 42 and thethird chamber 48, and hence thesecond outlet 33, from thesecond channel 39. When thepiston 22 is in the second position, theninth seal 68 is disposed beyond thethird passage 42 from thesecond channel 39 and so air can flow from the inlet port, via thehollow bore 37 and thesecond channel 39, through diethird passage 42 to thethird chamber 48 and hence to thesecond outlet 33. - The
air control valve 20 includes atenth seal 69 positioned around the outer circumference of thefirst piston section 25 to the side of thefirst channel 38 that is distal to theinlet port 31. In the intermediate and second positions of thepiston 22, die tenth seal is in contact with the inner wall of thevalve chamber 28 and blocks thefirst channel 38 from thefirst passage 40 and hence prevents the flow of compressed air from theinlet port 31 to thefirst chamber 46. However, when thepiston 22 is in the first position, the tenth seal is aligned within thefirst passage 40 and so air can bypass the tenth seal, to allow the flow of air from theinlet port 31 to thefirst chamber 46. - The
air control valve 20 includes aneleventh seal 70 disposed around the outer circumference of thesecond piston section 26 and to the side of thesecond channel 39 distal to theinlet port 31. Whilst thepiston 22 is in the second position, the eleventh seal is in contact with the inner wall of thevalve chamber 28 and blocks thesecond channel 39 from thesecond passage 41 and hence prevents die flow of air from theinlet port 31 to thesecond chamber 47 and to thefirst outlet 32. In the first and intermediate positions, theeleventh seal 70 is disposed beyond thesecond passage 41 from thesecond channel 39 and so air can flow from theinlet port 31, via thehollow bore 37 andsecond channel 39, to thesecond passage 41, to thesecond chamber 47 and hence to thefirst outlet 33. - The operation of the
control valve 20 will now be described in use with anemergency breathing apparatus 10 as described previously. When a user wishes to use thebreathing apparatus 10 of the invention, he opens thebag 17 and pulls out the respirator 12 and compressed air supply (not shown), and the automatic activation system opens the reducer valve (not shown) to allow compressed air to flow into thecontrol valve 20. At this time, thepiston 22 of thecontrol valve 20 is held in the first position under die biasing force of thecoil spring 76. The air enters theinlet port 31 via thesupply hose 19 and flows through the hollow bore 37 of thepiston 22 and into thefirst chamber 46, via thefirst channel 38 and thefirst passage 40. The compressed air in thefirst chamber 46 flows through thethird outlet 34 and inflates theinflatable harness 14. Theplug 75 blocks thefourth outlet 35, preventing compressed air in dieinflatable harness 14 from escaping to atmosphere. - Whilst
die piston 22 is in the first position, air also flows from theinlet port 31 into thesecond chamber 47 via thehollow bore 37, thesecond channel 39 and thesecond passage 41 of reduced diameter. The compressed air is supplied to thesecond chamber 47 at a restricted flowrate, due to the restrictive dimensions of thesecond passage 41. From thesecond chamber 47, the restricted flow of air flows out of thefirst outlet 32, through thesensing valve 80 and on to the interior of the respirator 12. This provides a continuous flushing flow of ait to prevent toxic atmospheric gases from building up within the respirator mask 12 before it is donned by the wearer. Thesensing valve 80 is configured to remain open until subjected to a predetermined threshold pressure, at which point it automatically closes. Thesensing valve 80 is open upon initial activation of thebreathing apparatus 10. - The compressed air in the first and
second chambers second surfaces piston 22 that opposes the force exerted by biasingmeans 76. Whilst theinflatable harness 14 is in the process of inflating, the force exerted on thepiston 22 by the compressed air is weaker than the force exerted by die biasing means 76 on thepiston head 24, and hence diepiston 22 remains in the first position. - When the
inflatable harness 14 becomes fully inflated the pressure in thefirst chamber 46 increases, as no further air can flow out of thethird outlet 34, causing the force exerted on thefirst surface 43 to increase. The increased force exerted on thefirst surface 43 is sufficient to overcome the force of die biasing means 76, causing thepiston 22 to shift towards the inlet port 31 (to the right hand side inFigures 2 - 4 ) and into the intermediate position wherein the flow of air to thehead harness 14 is prevented, whilst a restricted flushing flow of compressed air continues to be supplied to the respirator mask 12 via thefirst outlet 32. Meanwhile, thehead harness 14 is sealed from theinlet port 31 and remains in a fully inflated state as theplug 75 remains sealing thefourth outlet 35. - When the wearer dons the respirator mask 12, the
seal 13 forms an airtight seal around the wearer's face and the flow of compressed air into the, now closed, volume of die respirator mask 12 causes the pressure within the respirator mask 12 to increase above atmospheric. Thesensing valve 80 detects when the subsequent increased pressure within the mask 12 reaches the predetermined threshold pressure and then automatically closes, causing the pressure in thesecond chamber 47 to increase as the compressed air can no longer flow out of thefirst outlet 32. This causes the force exerted on thesecond surface 44 to increase. The increased force exerted on thesecond surface 44 causes thepiston 22 to shift further towards the inlet port (to the right hand side inFigures 2-4 ) until it is in the second position. - Whilst the
piston 22 is in the second position compressed air is supplied from theinlet port 31 to thethird chamber 48, which is in fluid communication with thedemand valve 50. - The
demand valve 50 supplies air to the respirator mask 12 whenever the user takes a breath. In the second position the flow of air from theinlet port 31 to the first andthird outlets piston 22 has moved into the third position as described above, the compressed air acts over thethird piston surface 45 resulting in a pressure force on thepiston 22 sufficient to overcome die biasing force ofdie coil spring 76 and thereby maintain thepiston 22 in the second position - The
plug 75 includes avent passage 77 formed as a recessed channel in an outer surface of a distal portion thereof. Thevent passage 77 is configured so that when the valve moves into the second position, dievent passage 77 moves past diefirst seal 60 to fluidly communicate thefourth outlet 35 with thefirst chamber 46 and thethird outlet 34, allowing the air in thehead harness 14 to vent to atmosphere. This causing thehead harness 14 to deflate and contract around the wearer's head, firmly securing the respirator 12 in place. - The respirator mask 12 remains in this operative position secured to a wearer's head allowing the wearer to safely breathe air from the supply via the
control valve 20 anddemand valve 50 and to evacuate the hazardous environment. - Although in the above described embodiment the
control valve 20 comprises first, second andthird outlets third outlet 34 described above. Thecontrol valve 20 may then be used, for example, with abreathing apparatus 10 that comprises a conventional head-strap harness as opposed to theinflatable harness 14 described above. Such an alternative embodiment of control valve would still comprise a first outlet fluidly communicated with the respirator 12, to provide a flushing flow of air thereto at a reduced flow rate, and a second outlet in fluid communication with a demand valve of the respirator to provide an unrestricted supply of compressed air at a relatively increased flow rate once the wearer has donned the respirator 12. In operation of such an alternative control valve, upon initial supply of compressed air to theinlet port 31, since there would be no third outlet and no inflatable head harness to inflate, the piston would immediately move to the intermediate position until the respirator mask is donned. All other features of such an alternative embodiment of control valve, and breathing apparatus including such a control valve, would be as described previously, and would function correspondingly. - Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described above in the context of an 'escape set', it is intended that the invention is not limited to such application and may be used in any other type of breathing apparatus including 'working sets', self contained breathing apparatuses, and other such devices.
- Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described above by way of example only, the invention is not intended to be limited to these embodiments and is intended to include any combination of non-mutually exclusive features described above.
Claims (14)
- An airflow control valve (20) for use in a breathing apparatus (10) to control a flow of air from a pressurised air supply to a respirator, wherein the valve comprises an inlet port (31) for connection to a pressurised air supply, and first and second outlets (32, 33), the valve being configurable between a first position in which the inlet port (31) is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet (32) to allow a restricted flow of air from the inlet port (31) to the first outlet (32) wherein in the first position of the valve, the second outlet (33) is sealed from the inlet port (31) and, the valve is configurable to a second position in which the inlet port (31) is in substantially unrestricted fluid communication with the second outlet (33) to allow an unrestricted flow of air from the inlet port (31) to the second outlet (33), characterized in that the first outlet (32) is sealed from the inlet port (31) when the valve is configured in the second position.
- An airflow control valve (20) according to claim 1, wherein the valve includes a third outlet (34) and wherein the valve is configured such that, in the first position, the inlet port (31) is in fluid communication with the third outlet (34).
- An airflow control valve (20) according to claim 2, wherein the valve is configured such that, in the second position, the inlet port (31) is sealed from the third outlet (34).
- An airflow control valve (20) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the valve is configurable to a third position in which the inlet port (31) is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet (32) and the inlet port (31) is sealed from the second outlet (33) and/or third outlet (34).
- An airflow control valve (20) according to claim 4, wherein the third valve position is intermediate the first and second valve positions.
- An airflow control valve (20) according to claim 4 or claim 5 when dependent on claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a fourth outlet (35), wherein the fourth outlet is in fluid communication with the third outlet (34) when the valve is configured in the second position, and the fourth outlet (35) is sealed from the third outlet (34) when the valve is configured in the first and third positions.
- An airflow control valve (20) according to any preceding claim configured such that the valve is movable between the first, second and/or third positions in dependence of the air pressure within the valve.
- An airflow control valve (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve comprises a valve housing (21) defining a piston chamber (28) and, a piston (22) received within the piston chamber (28), wherein the piston (22) is slidable within the piston chamber (28) between the respective valve positions.
- An airflow control valve (20) according to claim 8 wherein the inlet port (31) and respective outlets (32, 33, 34, 35) are formed in the valve housing (21) in fluid communication with the piston chamber (28) and the piston (22) includes a hollow bore (37) in fluid communication with the inlet port (31).
- An airflow control valve (20) according to claim 9 wherein the piston (22) includes a plurality of channels (38, 39)formed therein in fluid communication with the hollow bore (37) and extending to an outer surface of the piston (22), and which are configured to selectively fluidly communicate the inlet port (31) and the hollow bore (32) with the outlets (32, 33, 34, 35) in the valve housing (21).
- An airflow control valve (20) according to any of claims 8 - 10, further comprising a biasing means (76) configured to bias the piston (22) towards the first position.
- An airflow control valve (20) according to claim 11, wherein the piston (22) comprises a plurality of piston surfaces (43, 44, 45) configured such that pressurised air supplied to the inlet port (31) can act upon one or more of the piston surfaces (43, 44, 45) to exert a force against the force of the biasing means (76).
- A breathing apparatus (10) comprising a respirator (12) and an airflow control valve (20) according to any preceding claim to control the flow of air from a supply to the respirator (12), wherein the first and second outlets (32, 33) are connected to the respirator (12), and in the first position of the valve, a restricted flow of air from the inlet port (31) to the respirator (12) via the first outlet (32) is permitted and the second outlet (33) is sealed from the inlet port (31) and, in the second position of the valve an unrestricted flow of air from the inlet port (31) to the respirator (12) via the second outlet (33) is permitted.
- A breathing apparatus (10) according to claim 13 further comprising an inflatable harness (14) for securing the respirator (12) to a wearer's head, and wherein the airflow control valve (20) further comprises a third outlet (34) connected to the inflatable harness (14), wherein the inlet port (31) is in fluid communication with the harness (14) when the control valve is in the first position and wherein the inlet port (31) is sealed from the inflatable harness (14) when the control valve (20) is in the second position.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1203491.4A GB2499808B (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2012-02-29 | Airflow control valve |
PCT/EP2013/052823 WO2013127627A1 (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2013-02-13 | Airflow control valve |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2819753A1 EP2819753A1 (en) | 2015-01-07 |
EP2819753B1 true EP2819753B1 (en) | 2023-06-07 |
EP2819753C0 EP2819753C0 (en) | 2023-06-07 |
Family
ID=45991892
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13704587.8A Active EP2819753B1 (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2013-02-13 | Airflow control valve |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10441826B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2819753B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2865827A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2499808B (en) |
HK (1) | HK1205971A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013127627A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102014219634A1 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2016-03-31 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Pressure reducing valve with separate radial bores for different fluid flow paths |
JP2016156405A (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2016-09-01 | アネスト岩田株式会社 | Pilot valve |
US20180087541A1 (en) * | 2015-04-02 | 2018-03-29 | Science & Technology Development Fund | Fast switching 3/2 direct operated hydraulic directional control valve |
AU2017422386A1 (en) * | 2017-07-06 | 2020-01-23 | Avent, Inc. | Priming system for infusion devices |
US10857396B2 (en) * | 2018-03-14 | 2020-12-08 | Adam Hayes | Emergency air supply system and method |
CA3141523A1 (en) | 2019-06-10 | 2020-12-17 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Medical cleaning valve |
US10935176B1 (en) | 2019-09-03 | 2021-03-02 | Loon Llc | Multi port fluid connector |
US20220024598A1 (en) * | 2020-07-21 | 2022-01-27 | Goodrich Corporation | Systems and methods for regulators for inflation systems for evacuation assemblies |
US11754193B2 (en) * | 2020-08-14 | 2023-09-12 | Republic Oil Tool, LLC | Two-way chemical injection valve |
US11906063B2 (en) | 2022-01-21 | 2024-02-20 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Pressure actuated switching valve |
US11873846B2 (en) * | 2022-05-19 | 2024-01-16 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Pressure regulating valve |
Family Cites Families (14)
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GB611646A (en) | 1945-07-02 | 1948-11-02 | Nils Adrian Nilsson | Improvements in a device in easels for carrying pictures |
US3599636A (en) * | 1969-12-12 | 1971-08-17 | Intertechnique Sa | Inflatable head harness for respirator devices |
US3654958A (en) * | 1970-12-18 | 1972-04-11 | Ross Operating Valve Co | Sequence valve |
US4437462A (en) * | 1981-11-19 | 1984-03-20 | Figgie International Inc. | Pneumatic head harness |
US6039045A (en) * | 1987-04-22 | 2000-03-21 | Intertechnique | Head harness for respiratory mask |
FR2614208B1 (en) * | 1987-04-22 | 1989-09-08 | Intertechnique Sa | BREATHING MASK HARNESS AND MASK COMPRISING APPLICATION. |
US5036846A (en) * | 1988-02-26 | 1991-08-06 | Puritan-Bennett Corporation | Crew oxygen mask with pneumatic comfort adjustment |
US4915106A (en) * | 1988-02-26 | 1990-04-10 | Puritan-Bennett Corporation | Crew oxygen mask with pneumatic comfort adjustment |
GB8819514D0 (en) * | 1988-08-17 | 1988-09-21 | Neotronics Technology Plc | Resuscitator valve |
US5375625A (en) | 1993-02-25 | 1994-12-27 | Warren Rupp, Inc. | Valve body assembly with detent and locking mechanism |
US5623923A (en) * | 1993-06-09 | 1997-04-29 | Intertechnique | Respiratory equipment with comfort adjustment |
US5944054A (en) | 1998-01-14 | 1999-08-31 | Saieva; Carl J. | Valve for breathing systems |
GB2430159B (en) * | 2005-07-06 | 2010-09-01 | Joseph Anthony Griffiths | Emergency breathing apparatus with inflatable harness |
FR3067612B1 (en) * | 2017-06-16 | 2019-07-26 | Zodiac Aerotechnics | RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT FOR AIRCRAFT WITH INFLATABLE MASK AND HARNESS AND ITS STORAGE SPACE. |
-
2012
- 2012-02-29 GB GB1203491.4A patent/GB2499808B/en active Active
-
2013
- 2013-02-13 WO PCT/EP2013/052823 patent/WO2013127627A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-02-13 EP EP13704587.8A patent/EP2819753B1/en active Active
- 2013-02-13 CA CA 2865827 patent/CA2865827A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-02-13 US US14/382,150 patent/US10441826B2/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-07-06 HK HK15106431.7A patent/HK1205971A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20150083133A1 (en) | 2015-03-26 |
WO2013127627A1 (en) | 2013-09-06 |
HK1205971A1 (en) | 2015-12-31 |
US10441826B2 (en) | 2019-10-15 |
EP2819753A1 (en) | 2015-01-07 |
GB2499808B (en) | 2016-05-11 |
GB201203491D0 (en) | 2012-04-11 |
GB2499808A (en) | 2013-09-04 |
CA2865827A1 (en) | 2013-09-06 |
EP2819753C0 (en) | 2023-06-07 |
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